THE Munster Region of Showjumping Ireland confirmed that Connolly’s Red Mills will continue their sponsorship of the Munster Grand Prix League across 15 shows in the region.
Now in its ninth year, the Connolly’s Red Mills Munster Grand Prix League is an integral part of the showjumping season. Filling a big gap between the 1.10m and the 1.50m/1.60m classes, it attracts a broad range of riders from both the professional and young riders ranks. The announcement was made during a visit to the yard of the 2017 Munster Grand Prix Champion, Francis Connors, who has won four of the last five renewals of the league.
Red Mills Ambassador and 2017 Munster Grand Prix Champion, Francis Connors, said: “Our family have been running shows for nearly 40 years. It’s always difficult competing at your own show as you have so much going on but we’re looking forward to hosting the first Red Mills Munster Grand Prix at Ballylawn Show on Sunday, April 29th.
“I was delighted to win the Munster Grand Prix League last year, Capitol Cruis’s third place finish in the final round at Banteer Gymkhana was enough to win it. It’s always a competitive series and last year it went right down to the wire. The series has been a fantastic addition to the Munster Region and we’re looking forward to another great season.”
Gerard Murphy of the Munster Grand Prix said: “With the support of Connolly’s Red Mills, Showjumping Ireland, the Shows and the members of Showjumping Ireland, we have created what has become the best supported Regional GP Leagues on the Island of Ireland.”
Jane Davis of Connolly’s Red Mills said: “With the prize-money on offer, it’s no surprise that it’s attracting such top-quality horses and riders. It was nip and tuck all the way last year and it was great to see such a competitive final leg, with Francis pipping Timothy Doyle at the post to be crowned champion. The team at Connolly’s Red Mills are proud to continue our sponsorship as we believe it’s the perfect way to support our grass roots customers and we wish everyone a successful season.”
Cork organiser Jerry Sweetnam said: “We are absolutely delighted to have Connolly’s Red Mills on board again this year. Since Red Mills came on board nine years ago, the league has gone from strength to strength. It has enabled us to have a new set of Grand Prix fences, most of which are now individually sponsored and 30 hoardings around the Grand Prix arena.”
The first four legs take place at:
April 29th Ballylawn Show
May 13th Kingdom County Fair
May 20th Bandon
May 26th Liskennett Charity Gymkhana